As I coasted down the steep hill to the Pt. Defiance ferry dock, actively praying that I would make the boat, the security gate which separates running vehicles from bone-chilling Puget Sound teetered like a failing flag pole. With gravity (and a punctually-minded ferry worker) now in charge, the striped barricade fell back to earth, corralling me on the dock while the sweet little M/V Rhododendron chugged its way toward Vashon. A few slow motion head turns and whiny “no’s” later, I accepted my pole position for the next (and much later) ferry.
On the bright side, Boz and Gracie would get a long waterfront walk and the King Cab was stocked with provisions fresh from our stop at Tacoma Boys, a butcher shop, small grocer and produce stand that seems to have it all, including great people.
A produce man encouraged me to try a new apple called Opal. Its color is beautifully jarring, the standout kind of butterscotch yellow you see on a school bus or taxi cab. The Opal apple is a cross between a Golden Delicious and a Topaz apple and is capped with a little russeting on the stem end.
The apple has a unique texture and flavor, extremely crispy, but not overly juicy. There’s a density and dryness to the apple that I find appealing. It’s a serious chew that unleashes butterscotch, caramel overtones and concentrated flavor. Another great thing about the Opal apple is its flesh does not discolor. In the photo above, the right side was freshly sliced and the left side was cut the day before; the browning is minimal.
But don’t take my word for it. Peer into the mug of a true apple lover and crafty connoisseur. Feigning sleep, he made his move as I left the truck to fetch a new ferry schedule. Three apples disappeared without trace, as Boz and Gracie nuzzled together like sleeping innocents. How do I know Boz and Gracie pilfered the pommes? Oh it was an inside job alright, something I was able to confirm (unfortunately) on the ferry ride home with all windows rolled down. Lucky for us, smoking is not allowed on Washington State Ferries.
What I was blogging about:
- one year ago: Easter Wears a Slicker and a Smile
- two years ago: Embracing My Inner American Breakfast
Ha! my dog Sophia loves a good apple too…What a gorgeous color! Are these Washington apples, Tom? And what else is worth a trip to the Tacoma Boys?
OMG….LOL…I so love the way you write dear sir! And I must try this Opal…I am the butterscotch queen, just ask my friend Bobby Flay! xoxox
Nancy, Opal apples are only grown by one grower in Prescott, Washington and available March through May.
And as for Tacoma Boys, it has a counter devoted just to homemade fudge, an excellent wine department, their own brand of small batch tortilla chips and a wall of unusual condiments. And it’s just down the road from Harbor Freight, Home Depot and Lowe’s. What more could you ask for?
Miffy, thanks! Now that I know your weakness (aside for unexpected clown sightings) I’ll be sure to share the butterscotch wealth.
Ah Boz – truly he’s the “bomb”. The apples look fabulous but that plate…Tom that plate is glorious!
I keep hearing about Tacoma Boys and now the deal is sealed– I HAVE to go. I’ve been eating pretty ladies lately, mainly because of the marketing genius who named them.
Wait… I think I mean “PINK” Ladies. I thought that sounded a bit too much like a fairy tale.
I live with a bulldog and I know exactly what you mean… especially after a day of fruits and vegetables. Could I have possibly purchased Opals at Whole Foods? I believe that is what I used in my apple muffins last week; first time I ever purchased that variety. And Pipi totally enjoyed the leftovers that didn’t make it into the batter ;-P
The Opals are incredible…I had my first about a month ago while in Minneapolis and was delighted and excited by this new find…and yes, my dog loves apples, too.
For more information about Opal®, check out it’s Facebook page at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Opal-Apple/151129174922847
Hi,
We just got one at the Vashon Thriftway today and I ran across your entry searching for “Opal Apple”. Funny that Google found a neighbor’s blog.
It’s an excellent apple — almost candy.
Hi Wes, thanks for the visit neighbor! Tom